Meaning & Definition of word "Methane"

Methane

/ˈmɛθeɪn/

1. A colorless, odorless gas that is the simplest alkane, consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms (CH4), commonly produced by the decomposition of organic matter.
- Example: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change.
2. A major component of natural gas, used as a fuel source and in the production of various chemicals.
- Example: The methane extracted from local gas fields provides energy for thousands of homes.
3. A byproduct of the digestive process in ruminants, released into the atmosphere during burping.
- Example: Cattle are known to produce large amounts of methane during digestion.
4. A flammable gas used in heating and cooking as a primary energy source in many households.
- Example: We use methane for cooking and heating in our kitchen appliances.
5. Methane can be formed anaerobically in landfills as waste decomposes over time.
- Example: The landfill emitted methane, which was captured and used to generate electricity.

From methyl + -ane (a suffix used in organic chemistry).

methane hydrate:

A solid form of water that contains trapped methane, typically found in ocean floor sediments.

methane emissions:

The release of methane into the atmosphere, often from livestock, landfills, and natural gas production.

methane conversion:

The process of changing methane into other forms of energy or products.

alkane:

A hydrocarbon with single bonds only, including methane.

greenhouse gas:

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including methane.

fossil fuel:

Natural fuels formed from the remains of living organisms, which can contain methane.

Meaning: Fart gas

Example Sentence: Dude, that burrito really gave me the methane!

Meaning: Natural gas

Example Sentence: We just switched our stove to run on methane for better efficiency.